The "best" blank to build a rod for a particular purpose is a chiefly subjective decision, but an important decision nonetheless. Can someone suggest a site where qualified testers evaluated ANY similar purpose blanks in a credible (double-blind) comparison?

I have never seen such a site.

Heck, I'd settle for a database of similar blanks. Often we have something we like.....but maybe the price isn't so nice.....or maybe they just stopped offering it.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Make a list of several blanks for a certain purpose and come here and ask
Some one will know !

Bill - willierods.com

I don't think it is that much subjective (even though there is indeed a matter of subjective taste)
but what makes such a site useless is that the system that you test for a task includes the caster. it is especially true in fly fishing, but still holds for any for of fishing. that's why the conclusions of someone else regarding a blank is at best a guideline for you.
I'm all for objective measures on the blanks, I actively promote the CCS system in France, but (i) there's no substitute for the personal interpretation of the data ; (ii) maybe the double blind is a little overkill. what's the point of insisting on the elimination of all marketing hype ? we're all exposed to it to some degree, and whatever your reaction to it (allergy or otherwise), it's a part of our relation to our rods. it's just healthy to know hype for what it is.

_______________________________________________
If I'm not going to catch anything, then I'd rather not catch anything on flies.

Prostaff Rodhouse
[www.rodhouse.fr]

Marketing hype convinces some folks who want to take up fly fishing they need to spend $800 for a fly reel with zero start-up drag when they will be using 12# or heavier tippet . Marketing hype convinces the innocent that they must buy an $800 fly rod to enable them to "punch casts into the wind." Not just fly fishing but all fishing would benefit if there were sites which provided reliable information for newcomers about fishing gear.

I couldn't agree more. That's why forums like this one, educating people and spreading technically correct notions, are such a good thing for the sport.
you need to know that this feeling you get because you just bought a fashionable brand does not translate easily into any technical claim.
doesn't mean it shouldn't feel good to do so if you please, though.
and we all are, in a form or another, fashion victims.

_______________________________________________
If I'm not going to catch anything, then I'd rather not catch anything on flies.

Prostaff Rodhouse
[www.rodhouse.fr]